Micrococcal botryomycosis of the left temporal region.

ABSTRACT

Botryomycosis arises from chronic infections produced by low-virulence organisms in an altered host environment. Staphylococci have been the most common organisms implicated, but various other bacteria have also been identified in human botryomycosis lesions. The relative balance between the host's resistance and the microorganism's virulence may be altered in some way that perpetuates the growth of the lesions in a symbiotic fashion. The diagnosis of botryomycosis is one that is often easily overlooked because it can be confused with other mycetomas such as actinomycosis and nocardosis. We report here a case of micrococcal botryomycosis that occurred in the left temporal region in a 70 year-old male, which was diagnosed by the help of a histopathological examination and microbial cultures.